It sort of does.
Here's the best article I've read about why not to use "the" Ukraine (and I'd imagine it would also apply to the Argentine).
https://theconversation.com/its-ukraine-not-the-ukraine-heres-why-178748
As far as I can make out, it comes down to prepositions, rather than the definite article. As that piece points out, there's a difference between being in Ohio, watching Cleveland lose again :o( , and being in the Ohio going for a swim (wouldn't advise that); Ohio is a state with acknowledged borders, whereas the Ohio is a free-flowing river.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
